OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “We have an anchor: By his cross we have been saved. We have a rudder: By his cross we have been redeemed. We have a hope: By his cross we have been healed and embraced so that nothing and no one can separate us.” (Pope Francis, March 27, 2020, in St. […]
Talk story: Overcoming malnutrition and hunger
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “Along with vaccines, fraternity and hope are the medicine we need in today’s world.” (Pope Francis) Pope Francis has long advocated for health as a basic human right and for universal access to basic healthcare, especially for the most vulnerable. This Lenten season, he has underscored this point with his “Fratelli […]
Talk Story: New approaches to traditional practices
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “Every moment of our lives is a time for believing, hoping and loving. The call to experience Lent as a journey of conversion, prayer and sharing of our goods, helps us to revive the faith that comes from the living Christ, the hope inspired by the breath of the Holy Spirit […]
Talk story: Listening with an open heart
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “Fraternity means to lend a helping hand. Fraternity means respect, listening with an open heart…It is the challenge of our times.” (Pope Francis, Feb. 4, First International Day of Human Fraternity) While many might argue that the COVID-19 pandemic is the most profound challenge in the world today, Pope Francis contends […]
Talk story: A culture of care as a path to peace
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “We should always look to Our Lady, Star of the Sea and Mother of Hope. May we work together to advance toward a new horizon of love and peace, of fraternity and solidarity, of mutual support and acceptance.” Pope Francis, World Day of Peace Message, Jan. 1, 2021, “A Culture of […]
Talk story: This Christmas, be a gift to another
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “The reason we have gifts is so that we can be gifts for others.” (Pope Francis, World Day of the Poor message, November 2020 Gift-giving is a longstanding tradition during the holidays, often portrayed through big red bows, shiny wrapped boxes and the latest and greatest electronic gadgets. But Christmas means […]
Talk story: No one is saved alone
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “This is a moment to dream big, to rethink our priorities — what we value, what we want, what we seek — and to commit to act in our daily life on what we have dreamed of … God asks us to dare to create something new.” (Pope Francis, commentary, The […]
Talk story: Brothers and sisters all
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “No one can face life in isolation … Let us dream, then, as a single human family, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all.” (Pope Francis’ encyclical “Fratelli Tutti,” October 2020) Talking story online has become part of a social routine as we strive to […]
Talk story: Day for the world’s migrants and refugees
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “World Day for Migrants and Refugees 2020 is an opportunity to reflect on the global contributions of immigrants and refugees, and highlight the work of the church to welcome, protect and integrate them. We are reminded that regardless of our background, we are all built in the image of God and […]
Talk story: The cry of the earth, the cry of the poor
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY “The poor and the earth are crying out. O Lord seize us with your power and light, help us to protect all life, to prepare for a better future, for the coming of your Kingdom of justice, peace, love and beauty. Praise be to you! Amen.” (Pope Francis, “Laudato Si: On […]